Would You Recognise the First Signs of Pregnancy?

30.06.2010 | By: Z.J.

A woman’s body starts to show the signs that she is expecting a baby very soon. How to recognize the first signs of pregnancy?

Swollen and tender breasts are one of the first signs of pregnancy. (Photoxpress)

A missed period

Although a missed period is not always necessarily associated with pregnancy, pregnancy is always associated with a missed period. Many women can mistake bleeding when the fertilised egg implants for a weak period, while some women know that they are pregnant even before they have missed their period.

Morning sickness

Although it is called morning sickness, it may occur at any time during the day. Morning sickness is one of the very first signs of pregnancy and it sometimes occurs even before all the other signs. It lasts approximately for the first 14 weeks and it is the result of hormonal changes. Owing to estrogen, women are more sensitive to smell, which can cause nausea. They often have a dislike for foods with strong taste and smell, particularly fried foods and coffee.

You can try to overcome morning sickness with crackers and mild tea before you get out of bed as well as small and frequent meals.

A changed attitude towards food

Most women have cravings for the food that they did not like before or for impossible combinations of food.

Tender and swollen breasts

These are one of the first signs of pregnancy which occur already two weeks after conception. women feel tingling in their breasts, which become swollen and tender to the touch. Tenderness can also be a usual sign of a period, but the breasts are fuller and heavier in the case of pregnancy, and in addition, the nipples become bigger and the skin around them can get darker.

Bleeding

Metrorrhagia or very light bleeding (spotting), which can be accompanied by cramps similar to menstrual cramps, occurs within 10 to 14 days after conception and is a sign that the fertilized egg has attached itself. However, it can also indicate a miscarriage, so it is best that you consult your doctor.

Frequent urination

If you have to go to the bathroom more often, particularly at night, this is one of the first signs of pregnancy as well. Some women also feel a change in urine odor.

Constipation and bloating

Food is digested slowly because of hormonal changes, which can often results in constipation. It helps if you drink plenty of water and exercise. Consult your doctor about that. A lot of women experience bad bloating and lots of wind.

Heartburn

Heartburn is a very common problem in pregnancy. In the first four months, it is caused by hormonal changes and later by the pressure on the organs. It is recommended that you eat small meals, but you should lie down after a meal.

Headaches and mood swings

One of the first signs of pregnancy are also headaches which occur approximately in the sixth week as a result of hormonal changes. Oversensitivity and mood swings can occur very early on. Explain that to the people around you and they will definitely understand and be willing to provide emotional support.

Insomnia and tiredness

Pregnant women often feel very tired, also because they cannot get enough sleep at night. Afternoon nap can restore your strength to function normally during the day.

Pain in the lower back

Back pain is caused by general tiredness, a changed posture because the balance of gravity is pushed forward, the position during sleep and hormonal changes due to which connective tissues are more elastic and loose.

Dizziness and fainting

Some women feel dizzy or actually faint. This happens because of changes in blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Some women do not need to experience the first signs of pregnancy to know that they are pregnant. It is also possible that you won’t have any of the signs, or you will experience them in a very mild and almost unnoticeable form. During the first pregnancy, all the signs are supposed to be more intense than in next pregnancies.